Along with Corelli and Scarlatti, Bernardo Pasquini (16371710) played a major part in the musical life of Rome, and was famous for his skill as both a harpsichordist and organist. The two Passion cantatas featured on this new CD, Hor chil Ciel fra densi horrori and Padre, Signore e Dio, were composed for Holy Week at the Borghese Chapel, and comprise miniature oratorios. Although the chapel was relatively small, the instrumental forces used at the time for large-scale oratorios could reach 150 players. Here, the forces are much more modest, but the richness of Pasquinis scoring and the textures he created make for a lush and sumptuous sound. The music is sensual, dramatic and extremely beautiful: Pasquini was a composer of great skill, and his depictions of thunder and lightening as well as stormy seas are truly impressive. (bron: Brilliant Classics)
"It is certainly not just Jacob’s Ladder, the burning bush, the fiery Elijah or Ezekiel’s chariot that have made the Tanakh, the Old Testament, a treasure trove for creative minds of all persuasions. At every turn in this voluminous book, we learn of dramatic adventures, exciting encounters between earthly and higher beings, passionate battle scenes and inexplicable miracles – which, not least since the “invention” of the oratorio, have been literally crying out for musical interpretation. Bernardo Pasquini, the highly praised musician in the service of the Borghese family of Rome, dedicated one of his nearly twenty oratorios to an episode from Exodus. During the festival of joy, held to thank the God of Israel for the liberation from Egyptian slavery, the various stages of the journey were being commemorated. Suddenly, the clang of weapons were heard, and the enemy troops of Amalek advanced. Joshua led his people into battle, as Moses tried to influence the outcome of the battle with his prayers. The more fervently he prayed, the more favourable Israel’s fortunes. But as soon as he faltered, the page was turned. In the end, however, victory is assured, celebrated by a magnificent, resounding final chorus." (Presto Music)
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